The men of Jabesh-gilead asked for a treaty that would allow them to continue living as vassals to the Ammonite king.1 They would have to pay a regular tribute and in response they could enjoy the protection of Nahash.2 The fact that they were able to make a treaty by themselves shows that they enjoyed a measure of independence from the other tribes. This suggests that the tribal federation of Israel was very loose at this time and there were no permanent political connections.3
1 Then Nahash the Ammonite went up and besieged Jabesh-gilead, and all the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, “Make a treaty with us, and we will serve you.”